After a year’s hard work, a major project to transform the sanctuary at Beeston Methodist Church is nearing completion. A vital stage was reached when representatives of Belper-based Derwent Valley Construction officially handed over the £2m scheme to members of the church redevelopment group.
Richard Beresford (third right), of Belper-based Derwent Valley Construction is pictured shaking hands with minister the Rev Andrew Checkley at the handover of the Beeston Methodist Church redevelopment project. Looking on are representatives of Allan Joyce Architects and members of the BMC Redevelopment Group.
A new insulated roof and heating system has been installed and the floor flattened to make the church more flexible and accessible for people with mobility problems. Work is going ahead to install a new audio-visual system and refurbish the distinctive pipe organ, presented to the church when it was built in 1902.
It is hoped the remaining work will be finished in the next few weeks and the congregation will be back in the church before Easter.
Chris Bridges, chairman of the redevelopment group, is thrilled that the project has entered its final phase. He said: “The refurbished church is light, bright and welcoming with a flexible worship area. Community groups will be able to hire the church and the new audio-visual system will make it easier to stream services and other events.
“The church is already an important community asset with hundreds of people coming through the building every week. We hope it will be used by even more of the community in the future.”
Written by Dave Lowe